U.S. patent number 4,332,214 [Application Number 06/087,142] was granted by the patent office on 1982-06-01 for heated bed for animals.
Invention is credited to Lee Cunningham.
United States Patent |
4,332,214 |
Cunningham |
June 1, 1982 |
Heated bed for animals
Abstract
A protective, heated bed or support is disclosed suitable for
use in the care and treatment of sick, injured, weak or young
animals, such as human beings, dogs and cats, reptiles and birds,
hereafter referred to as animals, for brevity. The bed is comprised
of a support that includes an outer container or shell of any
suitable material having attached thereto or integral therewith a
heating unit, such as an electrical resistance heater. Supported
within the outer shell is an inner shell having a floor and
surrounding walls of hard vinyl plastic or other easily sanitized,
puncture resistant material capable of supporting the animal as
well as resisting the rough treatment such a surface would endure.
The inner and outer shells are shaped so as to define an interior
volume having a U-shaped cross section suitable for containing a
liquid having a high thermal capacity such as water. This interior
volume is accessable by a port which may conveniently be located in
the upper rim that connects the inner shell to the outer shell.
Thermostatic controls are provided on the exterior surface of the
outer shell for controlling the heat of the electrical heater which
is carried by conduction through the outer shell and the water to
the inner shell and from there, of course, to the animal resting
thereon. The interior volume of the walls provide a reservoir of
heated water which serves to both surround the animal with warmth
and also provides a reservoir of water to insure that the water
level does not fall below the floor of the inner shell. In a
further particular embodiment the bed also comprises a dome mounted
on the support but spaced from the upper rim so as to allow air
flow into the bed. Adjustable vents are located on the top of the
dome to control the air flow out of the bed.
Inventors: |
Cunningham; Lee (Incline
Village, NV) |
Family
ID: |
26776645 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/087,142 |
Filed: |
October 22, 1979 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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807216 |
Jun 16, 1977 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/28.5;
119/472; 119/482 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K
1/0353 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01K
1/035 (20060101); A01K 1/02 (20060101); A01K
001/035 () |
Field of
Search: |
;119/1,15,19,33
;5/348WB,422 ;219/217 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Chamblee; Hugh R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Larson and Taylor
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. application
Ser. No. 807,216 filed June 16, 1977, now abandoned.
Claims
I claim:
1. A heated bed for animals such as dogs and cats comprising a
shell means comprising an outer shell and a complementary inner
shell, said outer shell providing an enclosure and having a base
and substantially vertical walls, said complementary inner shell
being of substantially rigid plastic and having a concave surface
adapted to support and partially surround such animals, said outer
and inner shells having spaced apart walls and bases adapted to
receive liquid, said outer and inner shells being joined at their
upper edges in the form of a curved lip to provide a narrow,
enclosed, liquid reservoir for said liquid which is in direct
thermal contact with the base and relatively vertical walls of said
inner shell, the base of said inner shell being sloped from one end
to the other, said shell means being provided with a fill port for
said liquid reservoir, means in the bottom of said outer shell
means providing a centrally located area for a selectively
controlled electrical heating assembly laminate, a selectively
controlled electrical heating assembly laminate mounted in said
area, said laminate comprising a heating element sandwiched between
an upper metal plate and a lower metal foil, said metal plate
contacting the outer shell, and a safety thermocouple below said
metal foil covered with a layer of insulation, a plastic cover for
said area, means providing a recessed opening in one of the
vertical walls of the outer shell, a control means in said recessed
opening electrically connected to said heating element, and a
temperature sensing means mounted on the top surface of the base of
said outer shell and electrically connected to said heating
element.
2. An animal incubator comprising the heated bed of claim 1 in
combination with a dome of transparent plastic material removably
mounted on said bed so as to provide an internal enclosed space
between said shell means and said dome, a plurality of spacer means
between said dome and said cover to provide an air passage
therebetween, said dome comprising a door section pivotably mounted
to a body section, adjustable vent means on said dome and fitting
means on the dome providing fluid communication with the interior
of said dome.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is primarily related to apparatus for the
care and treatment of animals used in hospitals, clinics, kennels
and the home. This invention is further related to apparatus
suitable for providing support, protection and controlled even
warmth for animals which would benefit therefrom because of
sickness, injury or extreme young or old age. Specifically, the
instant invention is related to a heated support or bed for animals
which can be used alone or in combination with a dome, in which
case it could serve as an incubator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Although it is common knowledge that warmth is a vitally necessary
ingredient in the care and treatment of animals, particularly, but
not limited to, small animals such as dogs or cats, there are few
if any commercially available, safe and convenient devices for this
purpose. Typical of the patented devices are the heated pet beds of
R. D. Huffman shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,980,058 and 3,125,663.
These devices are primarily support pads containing electrical
heating elements for the comfort and protection of the animal.
These and similar devices are mere variations of the obvious use
under the animal of an electric heating pad similar to those used
by humans. There are two major disadvantages to such devices which
render them unsuitable for widespread use. The most obvious problem
is that of the danger of the electricity to the animals. It must be
assumed that any animal, even if sick or otherwise enfeebled, will
chew or claw anything in its immediate environs. Electric pad
controls and wiring are dangerous for the animals' normally
harmless chewing which could result in electrocution or fire. Many
devices, such as the referenced Hoffman devices, have been designed
to minimize the danger.
The second more subtle, problem with devices using electrically
heated pads to support the animal is the likelihood of producing a
hot spot or localized area of increased heat. This is the same
problem recognized with electric blankets and heating pads for
humans and has resulted in the required warning that such devices
should not be used with young children, enfeebled elderly persons
or anyone unconscious, immobilized or otherwise incapable of
protecting themselves from such problems. This problem, heretofore
unsolved for apparatus for pets, has severely limited the use of
electric heating pads for animals.
One known device intended for use in providing heat and support for
animals is the "T PUMP" and "T PAD" system distributed by Graymar
Industries, Inc. of Buffalo, N.Y., which, from published literature
appears to be a flat flexible pad having conduits for circulating
water and a water pump connected thereto by means of soft flexible
hoses. The separate pump includes a heating mechanism of some type
which serves to elevate the temperature of water in the pump which
is then circulated to the pad. The complexity, cost and
vulnerability to damage by the animal limit the widespread use of
this device.
Additionally, as the owners of water beds for humans often
discover, water beds such as the design by Charles P. Hall shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,585,356 attract the household pets. Such human
water beds are not suitable, however, for convenient use in the
care of animals because the thin, flexible vinyl bladder may easily
be punctured by tooth or claw with disastrous results. In addition
to the obvious size problems, the motion of a flexible water
support which humans find so comforting is usually unacceptable to
an animal. Further, such water beds cannot be used for the very
young animals such as a prematurely born kitten or puppy that could
easily fall off the pad or simply crawl away losing the benefits of
the warmth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above identified disadvantages of conventionally known devices
for these purposes are eliminated by the heated bed for animals of
the instant invention. A present embodiment, as may clearly be seen
in the accompanying sheets of drawings, and understood with
reference to the specification included herein, includes as a basic
embodiment an outer shell preferably of plastic surrounding an
inner shell of similar plastic which supports the animal. The space
therebetween is filled with a liquid having a relatively high
thermal capacity such as water. An additive may be conveniently
disposed in the liquid to prevent algae growth. The water conducts
heat from a heat source, such as an electric resistance heater, to
the inner shell and therefore the animal.
In this manner constant even heat is provided to the animal without
the danger of hot spots while making the electrical elements
inaccessable to the animal. The inner shell is at least somewhat
concave so that the animal is at least partially enclosed and
protected. This construction provides a water heated bed without
requiring circulation of the water.
In alternate embodiments the bed can further include an enclosure,
such as a metal or plastic wire cage. For certain applications such
as hospital use as an incubator, the enclosure can be a transparent
box or dome having openings for hand holes, and an air inlet and
air outlet.
Other embodiments of the invention can include a drain hole in the
inner shell connected through a pipe to the outer shell so that the
support surface for supporting the animal may easily be cleaned or
hosed out.
Still further embodiments of this invention, can include an opening
at one end of the bed which can serve either of two purposes. A
relatively large animal can be positioned in the bed with its head
supported by a suitable pillow positioned outside of the bed.
Alternatively, the opening can be blocked by transparent window
material so that a smaller animal can see out or be seen.
The monitor and control system for the electric heat source may
conveniently be mounted on the outer shell for access by an
attendant. In an alternate embodiment, such controls may be
recessed and protected from tampering by the animal by a
transparent door mounted flush with the outer shell.
These and other features and advantages of the invention are
contained in the technical disclosure in the following
specification read together with the drawings described immediately
hereinbelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a heated bed for animals according
to the instant invention shown in a round configuration.
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 1 along line AA.
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 2 of an alternate
embodiment showing the drainage system and recessed control
panel.
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the
instant invention in an oval configuration showing an opening wire
cage cover and also a removable divider and slot therefore, so that
one bed may be utilized for two animals.
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of still another embodiment of the
instant invention in a rectangular configuration showing a solid
transparent cover including oxygen and vapor or mist intake lines
for use as an incubator.
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment wherein an
end wall of the bed is fitted with a removable transparent window
or gate through which the animal can see and be seen.
FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of a heater assembly.
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the
instant invention shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of FIG. 8 taken along line 9--9.
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of FIG. 8 taken along line
10--10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a heated bed for animals according
to the instant invention. Outer shell 10 is a hard plastic
container within which is positioned liner or inner shell 16
preferably constructed from a durable, relatively hard plastic such
as vinyl. It is an important facet of the instant invention that,
unlike the water beds designed for human use to which the instant
invention is superficially similar, inner shell 16 is not required
to provide a buoyant support for the animal positioned therein.
Therefore shell 16 can include an easily sanitized, substantially
rigid support surface constructed from a durable plastic resistant
to puncture by chewing or clawing of the animal. The internal
volume 20 formed between inner shell 16 and outer shell 10 is
filled with water or some other convenient liquid or similar
temperature characteristics. It is important to note that this
construction provides a substantially rigid support surface, for
the animal which is warmed on its underside by the heat from the
temperature controlled water.
Fill port 18 is formed in rim 19 which joins the shells. The water
is added through port 18 which may then be sealed by any suitable
device such as plug 21. Also shown in FIG. 1 is electrical control
panel 14 which may include temperature readout and thermostatic
controls for a heating assembly or element 12 depicted in FIG. 2.
The thermostat is preferably calibrated so as to control the
temperature of water 20, as discussed hereinbelow.
For most applications, water 20 should be maintained between
75.degree.-100.degree. and preferably between 80.degree.-85.degree.
for best comfort of the animal over a prolonged period. A
commercially obtainable algicide and bactericide can be added to
water 20 through fill port 18 so that the same water can be used
over a several month period.
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 1 along line AA. Outer
shell 10 is clearly shown with inner shell 16 forming a container
for a liquid such as water 20. The container has a U-shaped cross
section so as to provide a portion of the container at the
relatively vertical walls 13 of the shells with a reservoir area
17. Reservoir area 17 serves both to surround the animal with heat
and to provide a reservoir of heated water to insure that the
support surface 15 of shell 16 is continuously in contact with the
water even if the water level were to drop.
Heating assembly 12 is fixedly attached inside a cavity 70 located
in the outer bottom wall of outer shell 10. Heating assembly 12, in
one embodiment, is comprised of an integral, laminated structure
which is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 8. A molded plastic
cover 72, preferably made of the same plastic as outer shell 10,
acts as a mounting board on which the other elements of heating
assembly 12 can be mounted. Molded into the bottom of cover 72, and
projecting downwardly therefrom when assembled, is a box enclosure
74 for covering a safety temperature sensor such as a thermocouple
element 76 having a connecting wire 78. A sheet of insulation 80,
such as fiberglass insulation, is mounted on cover 72 so that cover
72 does not become too hot. A heating element 82 is comprised of a
conventional string-type heating wire 84 formed in a serpentine
pattern sandwiched between an upper metal plate 86 and a lower
sheet of metal foil 88. The metal plate 86 and metal foil 88 can be
made of aluminum and provide a uniform distribution of heat from
heating wire 84.
Thus, the heating assembly laminate can be integrally formed by any
conventional means between upper and lower supporting surfaces
provided by metal plate 86 and cover 72, respectively. Heating
assembly 12 can be fixedly mounted inside cavity 70 or can be
removeably mounted therein to permit removal thereof for cleaning
of the animal bed.
As shown in FIG. 8, thermocouple 76 is located in physical contact
with metal foil 88 and, because of its size, extends below the
upper surface of cover 72 into box 74 along with the insulation 80.
Thermocouple element 76 is a safety thermocouple designed to
de-energize the unit should a control thermocouple and its related
control, described hereinbelow, not work properly. Also, it is
possible that for heating assembly 12 to overheat if energized
without the water cavity between outer shell 10 and inner sheel 16
being filled with water. Thus, safety thermocouple element 76 is
designed to prevent this overheating. An exemplary setting for
activating the thermostat controls (described hereinbelow) is
185.degree. F.
Heating assembly 12 as thus described provides economy in
production and uniform heating of the water 20 when in use. In
comparison, if the usual immersible type heater rod were used and
placed in one small area of the water cavity, the water in that
small area would be warmer than the rest of the water lining floor
24. Uniformly heated water could only be obtained with an
immersible heater by having either a plurality of such heaters
uniformly spaced inside the water cavity or employing a motorized
circulation of the water. Obviously, both alternatives are more
expensive, increase the complexity of the unit, and increase the
weight of the unit. On the other hand, a string type heating wire
84 is adaptable to being placed over a larger area in any desirable
shape, thereby providing uniform heating over an enlarged space. As
mentioned above, the combination of metal plate 86 and metal foil
88 insure a uniform distribution of the heat to the base 26.
Through convection, the heated water in contact with base 26 will
rise into the reservoir areas 20 in contact with the substantially
vertical walls of inner shell 16. This provides a uniform, natural
circulation of the water and an even supply of heat to the inner
cavity of inner shell 16.
In addition to being more economical, providing more uniform heat,
and being more inexpensive than the conventional immersion heater
or a conventional insulated strip heater, heating wire 84 and
heating assembly 12 are safer because there is no direct contact
with the water. This saves additional cost in assembly by not
having to be sealed into the container as in the case of an
immersion heater. Furthermore, no part of string heating wire 84 is
exposed to the outside of the container and thus cannot be
inadvertently contacted by an animal using the heated bed.
As mentioned above, inner shell 16 is made of a rigid durable
plastic material. This is important for a number of reasons.
Stainless steel or other metallic or heat conductant material is
not suitable for use in providing a heated bed for animals. Such
surfaces are inherently too good of a heat conductor and therefore
it is possible to have transient localized hot spots. These can
occur when the heater is energized and heat conduction from the
heater provides a higher temperature in a specific area. Transient
localized hot spots could lead to burning of the animals. This is
especially true of heating devices which do not contain liquid
wherein the sensor monitors the temperature of the support surface
directly over it. For example, if an animal which was lying on the
support surface over the sensing element moves off of the element,
the sensing element will call for more heat because it is no longer
being insullated. Because of the high thermal conductivity of a
metal, a metallic support surface can rapidly conduct this added
heat to create a localized hot spot and burn the animal. On the
other hand, a plastic support surface 15 is inherently a poor
conductor of heat and thus has a delayed reaction to newly added
heat. The combination of support surface 15 made of a poor heat
conductor, a large thermal capacity of the liquid used to heat
support surface 15, the sensor which monitors the temperature of
the liquid, naturally circulated, rather than the support surface
15; and the liquid being in full contact with the entire
non-supporting side of support surface 15 prevents localized hot
spots and provides an even constant heat at lower temperatures.
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, of an
alternate embodiment. In the same manner as in the embodiment of
FIG. 2, heating assembly 12 is positioned in thermal contact with
water 20 but out of physical contact therewith. The configuration
of inner shell 16 is modified somewhat, however. A drain port 22 is
positioned in floor 24 of inner shell 16 in the lowest portion
thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, floor 24 is not level, i.e., not
parallel to base 26 of shell 10, but rather slopes downward toward
drain port 22 so that the inner surface of the bed in which an
animal is positioned can be quickly and easily cleaned by hosing it
down with water and disinfectant. Drain port 22 is connected via
conduct 28 to the outside of the bed through outer shell 10.
FIG. 3 also shows control panel 14 in a recessed opening 29 formed
in outer shell 10. Panel 14 is connected to a source of power, not
shown, via line cord 30. The source of power may be the usual AC
line voltage provided for household consumers or may even be a
source of low voltage DC power, for example 12 volts, which can be
used without any feat of harm to the animals. Particularly if a
source of AC power is used, it is necessary to provide a properly
protected cord, strong enough to withstand any playful gnawing of a
non-human animal unless made inaccessible to the animal by (1)
extending the cord outside an animal holding cage, or (2) the
enclosure by a cage or plastic cover. Panel 14 is connected to
heating element 12 via cable 32 which runs in a protected conduit
formed between the bottom of base 26 and the top of a tongue
section 90 of cover 72. (See also FIG. 7.) Cable 32 can typically
contain power leads for heat and also temperature sensor leads or
wire 76. Panel 14 is recessed so that opening 29 may be blocked off
by hinged door 34 to prevent access by the animal. Door 34 may
conveniently be transparent so that thermostatic control 36 and
temperature readout 38 of panel 14 may be viewed when door 34 is
closed. Any suitable catch, such as a magnetic catch, not shown,
which cannot be operated by the animal may be used.
A primary temperature sensor 92 comprised of a thermocouple element
94 and a sensor lead or wire 96 is, for assembly convenience,
mounted to the top surface of base 26 in direct physical contact
with the water, when the cavity is filled, with means such as water
proof adhesive. Wire 78 is then connected to electrical control
panel 14 through an internal connection, as shown in FIG. 3 or by
being fed between inner shell 16 and outer shell 10 at rim 19.
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of another alternate embodiment of the
instant invention showing wire cage cover 40 constructed from a
suitable material such as plastic or metal and hinged along axis 42
so that after positioning the animal on floor 24, the animal may be
restrained within the bed if desired. It must be noted at this
point that the actual container shape used is a matter of
convenience bearing in mind the particular animal to be served.
FIG. 4 also shows a groove 39 formed in the surface of inner shell
16 in which may be positioned a divider, such as divider 41.
Divider 41 serves to separate the interior of the shell into
compartments 43 and 45 so that more than one animal may be
accommodated in one bed at the same time. Obviously, more than one
divider can be provided so that larger units can be separated into
more than two compartments. As desired all or only some of the
compartments can be over a heated fluid containing cavity. A
non-heated compartment could be provided so that an animal that is
uncomfortable in a compartment having a heated floor could move to
one without.
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of still another embodiment of the
instant invention for use as an incubator. Outer shell 10, shown in
the embodiment as rectangular in shape, has mounted thereon a plate
46 through which are connected various life support media, such as
oxygen and mist, via conduits 47 and 48. A suitable transparent
cover having three sides and a top such as plastic cover 50 may be
hinged to outer shell 10 for opening along axis 52 to form a
convenient incubator.
FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of the instant invention in
which outer and inner shells 10 and 16 are formed without one end
wall, as shown at the leftmost side of the figure. A groove 54 is
formed on inner shell 16 so that a gate window 56 may be positioned
therein to replace the missing end wall. Window 56 may conveniently
be constructed of a transparent material such as clear plastic so
that the animal can see out and can be seen. Additionally, window
56 may be removed and a suitably sized support, such as a pillow 58
may be positioned adjacent to the opening provided by the missing
wall so that an animal, relatively large with respect to the bed,
may be positioned in the bed with its head on pillow 58.
Also shown in this figure are feet 60 which serve to support the
bed above the surface of the floor or table upon which it is
placed.
With reference now to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, yet another embodiment of
the present invention is depicted in which the heated bed 100
includes a clear, heavy guage plastic dome 102 removably mounted on
a container base 104. Base 104 is substantially similar to that
depicted in FIG. 3 and therefore need not be further described. As
shown in FIG. 10, dome 102 is removably mounted and spaced above
base 104 with conventional over-the-center type latches 106 of the
type conventionally found on luggage. Four latches 106 are
preferably provided, one latch on each of the four rectangular
sides of heated bed 100. Dome 102 is spaced above 104 by plastic,
U-shaped spacers fixedly attached at their base and depending
downwardly from the peripheral edge of dome 102 such that the arms
of spacer 108 can engage rim 19 of base 104. Spacers 108 provide an
air gap that is essential for providing the convective air flow
between the outside environment and the interior of heated bed 100,
as described in greater detail hereinbelow. A plurality of spacers
108 can be provided as necessary to insure a stable mounting of
dome 102 on base 104.
Dome 102, as base 104, is preferably made from a heavy guage
plastic material. As mentioned above, dome 102 is transparent and
base 104 can be either transparent or preferably opaque. Dome 102
is preferably molded and has a number of fittings mounted thereon.
In addition, dome 102 is divided transversely so as to form two
sections, a door section 110 and a body section 112. Door section
110 is pivotally mounted to body section 112 with conventional all
plastic hinges 114 such that door section 110 can be opened for
placement or removal of an animal into heated bed 100. A plurality
of ribs 116 are provided on body section 112 to give it added
rigidity and strength.
Two hand ports 118 and 120 are respectively provided on the top of
door section 110 and body section 112 so that access can be
obtained to the internal space of heated bed 100. Normally, hand
ports 118 and 120 are covered by covers 122 and 124, respectively.
Covers 122 and 124 are identical and each is comprised of an upper
disc 126 having a semi-circular segment portion 128 removed
therefrom and a lower disc 130 having a plurality of perforations
132 therethrough located in a semi-circular segment portion
thereof. Lower disc 132 is further provided with mounting ears 134
and 136. Two mounting screws 138 fixedly, but rotatably attaches
mounting ear 134 to the top of dome 102 and releasably mounts
mounting ear 136 to the top of dome 102, respectively. Mounting ear
136 has a notch 140 cut therein so that when the corresponding
mounting screw 138 is loosened, lower disc can be pivoted about the
other mounting screw and thereby uncover hand port 120. Upper disc
126 is mounted to lower disc 130 with a centrally located screw 142
so as to permit relative rotation therebetween. Thus, upper disc
126 can be rotated such that semi-circular segment portion 128
uncovers perforations 132, thereby permitting venting of the
interior of heated bed 100, or so as to block all or some of
perforations 132.
Mounted in an indentation at one corner of dome 102 is a
conventional aspirator bottle 144 that is directly connected to the
interior of dome 102 through a conduit 146. An air or oxygen line
can be attached to either a fitting 148 mounted on the top of
aspirator bottle 144 or a fitting 150 mounted on the top of dome
102 and providing fluid communication with the interior of dome
102. Aspirator bottle 144 can be used as a himidifier if filled
with water or for supplying medication. In addition, oxygen can be
bubbled through water in the humidifier to avoid the drying effect
of pure oxygen.
Provision is also made at the other front corner of dome 102 to
support a conventional I.V. bottle holder stand (not shown). These
stands are usually made from a bent metal rod having an L-shaped
base with an upright pole attached at the lower end thereof. The
means for holding the L-shaped base of the I.V. holder includes
three inverted L-shaped blocks 152 mounted at one end to the edge
of dome 102 with the other side extending inwardly toward the
upright wall portion of dome 102.
Guage 38 located on the forward end on dome 102 not only provides a
temperature readout, but also provides a humidity reading of the
air inside heated bed 100. An optional oxygen monitor can also be
provided to indicate the percentage of oxygen inside heated bed 100
when oxygen is being introduced through either fitting 148 or
150.
The operation of heated bed 100 is similar to that described herein
above with respect to the uncovered heated bed depicted in FIGS. 1
through 3. Convective heat is transferred from heating assembly 12,
through base 26, water 20 in the cavity between outer shell 10 and
inner shell 16, and through floor 24 to the patient. The heat is
needed in all cases of hypothermia from effect of anesthesia used
in surgery, debilatation from disease, or trauma and shock, as well
as to maintain body temperature in newborn animals. The addition of
dome 102 provides a more controlled environment and a facility for
adding medication, water vapor, oxygen and/or other gases. The
radiant heat from floor 24 heats the air and creates a air flow
upwardly and out the uncovered preforations 132 in covers 122 and
124. Air enters the enclosed area through the spacing between the
lower peripheral edge of dome 102 and the upper rim 19 of base 104.
This spacing can be typically 1/8 inch. Heat also radiates from the
vertical walls of inner shell 16 and is added by the body
temperature and breath of the patient. The temperature and humidity
within heated bed 100 can be determined from readout 38 and can be
adjusted by controlling the flow of air through aspirator bottle
144 acting as a humidifier, by controlling the temperature of water
20 with thermostatic control 36, and by controlling the airflow out
of hand ports 118 and 120. It is noted that this airflow is
extremely important so as to prevent too much heat from
accumulating inside heated bed 100. Provision is also made for two
small cutouts (not shown) located at each of the two lower, rear
corners of door section 100 to facilitate the use of I.V. tubes,
patient-monitoring devices, or other connections to the
patient.
It is apparent from the above specification that my heated bed for
animals is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, convenient to use
and provides a degree of care and protection for the animal not
available before. Many modifications and changes may be made to the
preferred embodiments shown herein without departing from the
spirit or scope of my invention which is defined by the claims
appended hereto. In particular, the size and shape of the bed is
dependent upon the size and shape of the animal to be accommodated
thereby. The overall size of a convenient rectangular shaped bed
would be in the range of approximately 11 to 20 inches wide, 14 to
36 inches long and 11/2 to 12 inches deep. Hand ports 118 and 120
can be 5 inches in diameter and covers 112 and 124 6 inches in
diameter.
Heated bed 100 can also have other shapes, such as a thoracic
positioner for use as a surgery table having a concaved or v-shaped
floor 24 so that the patient can be positioned on its back. A flat
version having a tower containing a reservoir of water and located
at one end can be used for animals kept outdoors. Base 104 can also
be covered by a wire bird cage in which resting bars are provided
for bird perching. A base 104 can also be used to surround the
lower portion of an aquarium and to replace the imersible heaters
not conventionally used. Other uses and modifications of the
heating bed would be obvious.
* * * * *